Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nives Matijakovic Mlinaric, Atida Selmani, Antun Lovro Brkic, Branka Njegic Dzakula, Damir Kralj, Jasminka Kontrec
Summary: Plastic pollution in water ecosystems poses a threat to the survival of wildlife, as microplastics may be encapsulated in calcium carbonate, crucial for the formation of hard tissue. The effect of humic acids on the encapsulation of microplastics in calcium carbonate is not well known. The study demonstrates that only after treatment with humic acids, polystyrene microspheres can be encapsulated in calcite crystals, while untreated microspheres cannot. This suggests that exposure of microplastics to dissolved organic matter in water ecosystems may lead to their enhanced encapsulation in the exoskeleton and endoskeleton of aquatic organisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Caroline C. C. Mather, Heta M. M. Lampinen, Maurice Tucker, Matthias Leopold, Shawan Dogramaci, Mark Raven, Robert J. J. Gilkes
Summary: Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and certain clay minerals can catalyze dolomite precipitation. This study found that EPS acts as a nucleation site for dolomite and clay minerals in groundwater dolocrete profiles, suggesting that similar mineralization processes may have occurred to form these dolocretes. These findings are important for understanding the microbial influence on mineralization in the environment.
Article
Geology
Edoardo Perri, Miroslaw Slowakiewicz, Ida D. Perrotta, Maurice E. Tucker
Summary: A modern lithifying biofilm associated with fluvial calcareous tufa in southern Italy is composed of a complex community of micro-organisms, including autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria, likely viruses, and bacterial vesicles. Extracellular polymeric substances produced by most bacteria are the main sites of mineral precipitation, leading to the formation of Ca-carbonate and Mg-silicate crystals through the process of biomineralization. The simultaneous precipitation of silicate and carbonate is a common process within calcareous microbialites, likely related to the initial formation of poorly-crystallized Mg-Si phases and mineralization of viruses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nattapong Yamasamit, Panisa Sangkeaw, Wittaya Jitchaijaroen, Chanachai Thongchom, Suraparb Keawsawasvong, Viroon Kamchoom
Summary: This research investigates the effectiveness of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) in self-healing cracks in concrete and enhancing concrete strength through microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). The study evaluates the ability of the mortar to cover cracks within 28 days, taking into account the width of the crack, and observes the recovery of strength after self-healing. The use of microencapsulated endospores of B. subtilis is also examined for its impact on the strength of concrete. Compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths are compared between normal mortar and biological mortar, and it is found that biological mortar has a higher strength capacity. Microstructure analysis using SEM and EDS shows that bacterial growth increases calcium production, contributing to the improved mechanical properties of the bio-mortar.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peiyu Liu, Yan Liu, Xinyi Ren, Zhifei Zhang, Xiang Zhao, Andrew P. Roberts, Yongxin Pan, Jinhua Li
Summary: The newly discovered magnetotactic spirillum XQGS-1 from Xingqinggong Lake in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China, represents a novel genus of the Alphaproteobacteria class. In addition to forming magnetite crystals, XQGS-1 cells also biomineralize submicrometer calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate granules intracellularly, indicating that magnetotactic bacteria are an important microbial group for intracellular calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate biomineralization.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amany M. Reyad, Gehad Mokhtar
Summary: Novel carrier units were evaluated for their bio-healing benefits in concrete repair. Bacillus cereus MG708176, an alkali-tolerant, calcite precipitating, endospore-forming strain, was immobilized on wood ash units and added as a bio-healing agent. The results showed significant improvements in the mechanical properties of concrete by filling the cracks with a calcite-producing bacterium immobilized on wood ash units.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Manas Sarkar, Moumita Maiti, Shilang Xu, Saroj Mandal
Summary: This study investigates the self-healing concepts in cement-based materials by using alkaliphilic spore-forming Bacillus cohnii microbes in bio-concrete. The regaining of structural efficiency is evaluated based on mechanical strength and durability properties. Bio-mineralized calcium carbonate seals a significant number of pores, resulting in a reduction of voids and an improvement in compressive strength. Microbes only degrade nutrients to produce healing agents without affecting the concrete structure. The sealing of cracks with microbes intensifies mechanical strength and validates self-healing.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ankita Debnath, Chinmay Hazra, Ramkrishna Sen
Summary: This study aimed to explore the correlation between organic biomolecules and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation, and it found that carbohydrates and proteins on the cell surface played a vital role in the nucleation and polymorphism of CaCO3. The research also showed that calcite stabilized at 30 days in ureolysis, while a mix of vaterite and calcite occurred in ammonification. The findings contribute to a better understanding of enzymes and EPS-driven non-classical nucleation of CaCO3.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tilman A. Grunewald, Stefano Checchia, Hamadou Dicko, Gilles Le Moullac, Manaarii Sham Koua, Jeremie Vidal-Dupiol, Julien Duboisset, Julius Nouet, Olivier Grauby, Marco Di Michiel, Virginie Chamard
Summary: This study utilizes nanobeam X-ray total scattering and reverse Monte Carlo modeling to spatially resolve the amorphous calcium carbonate compounds in mollusc shells. Three distinct amorphous compounds were discovered, and the presence of magnesium in the shell and its role in the amorphous-to-crystal transition were demonstrated. The findings contribute to the understanding of biomineralization and provide insights for bioinspired synthetic strategies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Geology
Paul L. Broughton
Summary: The Holocene Wolfenden tufa deposit in British Columbia, Canada, provides a unique record of early calcium carbonate deposition mediated by microbial extracellular polymeric substances. The study reveals the transformation of ACC to MHC and subsequently to nanocrystalline calcite. This research highlights the important role of microbial activity in the initial stages of tufa deposition.
DEPOSITIONAL RECORD
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Masaya Shimabukuro, Koichiro Hayashi, Ryo Kishida, Akira Tsuchiya, Kunio Ishikawa
Summary: Increasing CO32- concentration in Na2HPO4 solution accelerates the fabrication rate of CO3Ap and results in changes in crystal shape and crystallite size. Higher CO32- concentration leads to more CO3 content in CO3Ap, larger pores, and altered pore distribution.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jennifer Zehner, Anja Royne, Pawel Sikorski
Summary: Biocementation is a process based on either microbial-induced carbonate precipitation or enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation to create sustainable, consolidated porous material through the biomineralization of CaCO3 in a granular medium. A microscopy sample cell combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy allows real time monitoring of CaCO3 precipitation and pH, with the ability to characterize the precipitated crystals without sample disturbance. This approach offers a powerful tool for knowledge-based improvements in biocementation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qian Wang, Qianming Miao, Ke Huang, Yeqi Lin, Tong Wang, Xinyue Bai, Qiyong Xu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the dynamic development of clogging in simulated LCSs and found that clogging accumulated in all components of the LCS during a 215-day period. Spatial variations in clogging components were observed along the leachate flow, with the geotextile being severely clogged due to bio-clogging.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Munique Fante, Francisco Roger Carneiro Ribeiro, David Brandao Nunes, Regina Celia Espinosa Modolo, Claudio de Souza Kazmierczak, Mauricio Mancio, Francisco Manoel Wohnrath Tognoli, Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo, Marlova Piva Kulakowski
Summary: This study evaluated the physical and chemical effects of calcium carbonate limestone filler in mortar pastes subjected to accelerated carbonation. Results showed that a 25% filler substitution at a water/cement ratio of 0.42 achieved the best performance in terms of compression strength and water absorption. Carbonation primarily affected by the water/cement ratio rather than substitution level, consuming portlandite and forming calcite. Further studies identified additional calcium carbonate polymorphs after 28 days of accelerated carbonation.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Xiong, Yanfei Cao, Zhixin Li, Ronglian Huang, Yu Jiao, Liqiang Zhao, Xiaodong Du, Zhe Zheng
Summary: This study identified specific tyrosinases (NLSTyr) involved in nacre formation in pearl oysters, which inhibited calcium carbonate precipitation and affected crystal morphologies. These findings provide new insights into the evolution and function of tyrosinase in mollusks.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lili Liang, Cong-Qiang Liu, Xiangkun Zhu, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Zhongliang Wang, Liuting Song, Jin Li
JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Samuel J. Payler, Jennifer F. Biddle, Barbara Sherwood Lollar, Mark G. Fox-Powell, Thomas Edwards, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Sean M. Paling, Charles S. Cockell
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luke M. M. Kinsman, Rosa A. M. Crevecoeur, Amrita Singh-Morgan, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Carole A. Morrison, Jason B. Love
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luke M. M. Kinsman, Carole A. Morrison, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Jason B. Love
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nyekachi C. Adele, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Kate Heal, J. Frederick W. Mosselmans
Summary: Inoculation of soil or seeds with plant growth promoting bacteria can ameliorate metal toxicity to plants by changing metal speciation in plant tissues. The speciation changes, particularly an increase in organic acids and thiol complexes, were found significant between the rhizosphere and the root. This study suggests that changes in metal speciation may be driven by microbial metabolism or plant responses.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Justine Perry T. Domingo, Mikael Attal, Simon M. Mudd, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Carlos Primo C. David
Summary: This study revealed the importance of disturbance extent and sediment pathways in controlling sediment transport in mining-disturbed areas. Sediment flushing mainly occurs in the most disturbed sub-catchments during the wet season, with hysteresis effects being significant. Floodplain sediment recycling plays a dominant role in sediment delivery at both reach and catchment scales, especially towards the end of the wet season.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chiara Leonardi, Valeria Toscano, Claudia Genovese, Julian Frederick Willem Mosselmans, Bryne Tendelo Ngwenya, Salvatore Antonino Raccuia
Summary: The study showed that all plants survived until the end of the experiment, with growth stimulation in the presence of low concentrations of As and Cd. Biomass production was mainly allocated in roots under As treatment and shoots under Cd treatment. Cd EXAFS analysis suggested that tolerance to high concentrations of both metals may be linked to complexation of Cd with oxygen-containing ligands in both root and leaf biomass.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yarui Wang, Muhua Feng, Jianjun Wang, Xinfang Chen, Xiangchao Chen, Xian Du, Fan Xun, Bryne Tendelo Ngwenya
Summary: This study reveals that algal debris can enhance total carbon oxidation rate in sediments, facilitating SOM mineralization with iron reduction and sulfate reduction playing crucial roles in the early stages. Furthermore, algal debris has a positive priming effect on SOM mineralization, intensifying the mineralization process.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Jessica Arnull, A. Meriwether W. Wilson, Kitty Brayne, Kyle Dexter, Angelo G. Donah, Charlotte L. A. Gough, Timothy Kluckow, Bryne Ngwenya, Alexander Tudhope
Summary: A study in southwest Madagascar found that high density sea cucumber farming can significantly increase the leaf extension rate of the dominant seagrass species Thalassia hemprichii, but has no significant impact on another dominant seagrass species, Cymodocea serrulata. This suggests that sea cucumber farming may have important ecological co-benefits for seagrass habitats in the tropical Indo-Pacific region.
AQUACULTURE ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Olivier Pourret, Pallavi Anand, Sandra Arndt, Pieter Bots, Anthony Dosseto, Zimin Li, Johanna Marin Carbonne, Jennifer Middleton, Bryne Ngwenya, Amy J. Riches
Summary: Diversity drives innovative research at every step along the scientific path. Professional societies have the power to define and promote the success of all scientists through proactive advocacy, inclusive mentorship, awards, and leadership. Efforts are being made to increase the diversity and inclusion of awardees, aiming for a more diverse representation of excellent science.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eike M. Thaysen, Sean McMahon, Gion J. Strobel, Ian B. Butler, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Niklas Heinemann, Mark Wilkinson, Aliakbar Hassanpouryouzband, Christopher McDermott, Katriona Edlmann
Summary: Storage of hydrogen in depleted oil and gas fields is proposed to address imbalances in the renewable energy sector, but microbial processes in the subsurface may pose risks. Evaluation of data from 42 fields showed that high temperatures can inhibit hydrogen-consuming processes, with only a few fields able to sustain microbial growth under favorable conditions.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luke M. M. Kinsman, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Carole A. Morrison, Jason B. Love
Summary: This study demonstrates a simple tertiary diamide precipitation method for selectively precipitating gold from aqueous solutions, showing potential applications in metal separation and recycling industries.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph G. O'Connell-Danes, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Carole A. Morrison, Jason B. Love
Summary: Researchers report the selective precipitation of light rare-earth elements as supramolecular capsules from acidic, industrially relevant, mixed-metal solutions. This self-assembly approach, which exploits size and shape complementarity, has the potential to integrate into conventional processes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Dylan L. Price, Ian B. Butler, Bryne T. Ngwenya, Linda A. Kirstein, Frank McDermott, Tiina O'Neill
Summary: Naturally occurring rare earth element (REE) bearing carbonate minerals contain different REEs, yet efforts to synthesize and understand their formation mechanisms have hitherto used single REE end-member experiments. In synthesising a mixed La-Nd carbonate, we find that the mixed REE carbonate has a broadly similar crystallisation pathway as its end-members with key differences. This research highlights the importance of considering multiple REEs simultaneously when studying the precipitation mechanisms of REE carbonates.
Correction
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eike M. Thaysen, Sean McMahon, Gion J. Strobel, Ian B. Butler, Bryne Ngwenya, Niklas Heinemann, Mark Wilkinson, Aliakbar Hassanpouryouzband, Chris I. McDermott, Katriona Edlmann
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhen-Min Ge, Xiao-Long Huang, Wei Xie, Tobias W. Hofig, Fan Yang, Yang Yu, S. Khogenkumar Singh
Summary: The mantle source composition of the nascent oceanic crust in the central part of the Gulf of California has been investigated using basaltic glass samples. These samples show trace element patterns similar to enriched mid-ocean ridge basalts, suggesting that the nascent oceanic crust in the Guaymas Basin might be generated through partial melting of a depleted mantle source metasomatized by subducted slab materials.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jean-Michel Brazier, Katja E. Goetschl, Martin Dietzel, Vasileios Mavromatis
Summary: This study estimated the distribution coefficient of Zn2+ between calcite/aragonite and reactive fluids and found that the growth rate strongly influences D-Zn(2+) in both minerals. Additionally, a linear correlation was found between D-Zn(2+) and the saturation degree of the reactive fluid.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ming Lei, Michele Lustrino, Jifeng Xu, Zhiqiang Kang, Zhengfu Guo, Jianlin Chen
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive geochronological, mineralogical, and geochemical analysis of olivine leucitites in the Maiga area of southern Tibet, suggesting that these rocks originate from a carbonated peridotite mantle source and highlighting the possibility of carbonates being recycled deep into the mantle during continental subduction.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yuntao Ye, Xiaomei Wang, Huajian Wang, Haifeng Fan, Zhigang Chen, Qingjun Guo, Ziteng Wang, Chaodong Wu, Donald E. Canfield, Shuichang Zhang
Summary: Phosphorus is an essential element for life and its cycle in the ocean is closely connected with the carbon and oxygen cycles. The study of phosphate oxygen isotopes can provide insights into various reactions related to phosphorus. By analyzing carbonate fluorapatite samples from the Mesoproterozoic Era in North China, it was found that the oxygen isotope values were lower compared to modern samples, indicating a warmer climate during that time period and a potential reason for the scarcity of phosphorite.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Vincent Busigny, Oanez Lebeau, Didier Jezeduel, Carine Chaduteau, Sean Crowe, Magali Ader
Summary: This study conducted high-precision Mo isotope research on hydrothermal metal sulfides from a porphyry copper deposit in Southwest China and found that different stages of mineralization have distinct Mo isotope compositions, providing valuable insights into the behavior of Mo isotopes in magmatic-hydrothermal systems.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Min Ji, Xiao-Ying Gao, Yong-Fei Zheng, Bing Gong
Summary: The study examines the anatectic mechanisms in the Himalayan orogen, finding that pressure and temperature control the reaction, while water content mainly affects the solid-phase composition. Dehydration and hydration melting likely occur at different depths in the crust. This research provides important insights into the melting processes in collisional orogens.